Abhinaya

Bharata's Natya Shastra was the first book which gives the details about the
technique and forms of dance. 'Abhinaya Darpanam' was another book on dance. It
gives the fundamental principles for every technique.

Dharma means code. Natyadharma and Lokdharma are the principal codes of the
Indian dance-drama. Natyadharma: is a code or rule of conduct for the artist. It teachers him
deportment and how to create sincere appreciation in the audience.

Lokadharma: This code exhorts the player to employ realism for the purpose of
swaying his audience. He is called upon not merely to feign sorrow but to work
up his emotions to a pitch that will produce genuine grief.

The chief difference between Natya Dharma and Loka Dharma is that the former
advocates imaginativeness and the latter realism.

Abhinaya

There are four types of dramatic expression derived from the four Vedas and
based on the four planes. They are

Vachik Abhinaya or verbal expression such as dialogue in
drama and has its origin from Rig Veda or Book of Hymns and it is based on the plane audible.

Sattwik Abhinaya or the interpretation of moods, which is
originated from Atharva Veda and is based on astral.

Angik Abhinaya or bodily movements such as action and mime and has
the origin from Yayur Veda or book of sacrifices and is based on the divine.

Aharyya Ahbinaya or decorative effect such as decor and lighting
and has the origin from Sama Veda or book of melodies and is based on the plane
visual.